A concerned public is bombarded with curious information. The internet creates instant experts, and it is hard to know what to believe. Sadly, the real experts remain silent, with no desire to engage. The long learning curve, paired to the threats of harassment and intimidation, are all factors keeping scientists on the sidelines around hot-button public issues.

The science topics of vaccination, climate, fluoridation, biotechnology and evolution are all emotional discussions in the public space, where a scientific consensus stands aboard a firm platform.

Why is there such discussion? It is because of misinformation, fear, and often activist agenda. But how do we communicate on these topics effectively?

This program is poised to do just that, centering on the topic of biotechnology. The workshops are sponsored, so they are of low/no cost to academic researchers wishing to learn more about the processes of science communication.